China
Israel has right to statehood, so does Palestine: Chinese Ambassador
China has called on relevant countries to exercise restraint, to take an objective and just position, to work for de-escalation of conflict, and to avoid causing an even bigger blow to regional and international security.
“China condemns all violence and attacks against civilians, and opposes all acts in violation of international law,” Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen said during his meeting with Yousef Ramadan, Ambassador of Palestine to Bangladesh, on Monday (October 16, 2023).
Read: Death toll rises to 2,670 in Gaza: ministry
The two sides exchanged in-depth views on Palestine.
Ambassador Yao noted that regarding the latest round of the conflict, China believes that it is a top priority to make all-out efforts to stop the fighting as soon as possible, prevent it from spreading endlessly, and avoid further deterioration of the situation.
In the meantime, he said, it is imperative to observe the international humanitarian law, make every effort to ensure the safety of civilians, open up a humanitarian rescue and assistance passage as quickly as possible, and prevent a severe humanitarian disaster.
The UN should play its due role in resolving the question of Palestine, said the Chinese envoy.
Read: What military support the U.S. is providing to Israel's military
“The UN Security Council needs to shoulder important responsibilities for this, build international consensus as quickly as possible and take real measures to that end,” he said, adding that the protection of civilians in armed conflict is a red line under international humanitarian law.
Ambassador Yao also said, the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable, and neither Palestinian nor Israeli civilians should be targeted. “The safety of UN staff and humanitarian workers must be guaranteed.”
China is communicating with the relevant parties, according to Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.
The special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue will soon visit relevant countries in the region and make active efforts to facilitate a cessation of violence and de-escalate the situation.
In the meantime, China calls for a more authoritative, influential and broad-based international peace conference to be held under the auspices of the UN to build international consensus for peace and work for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine at an early date.
Ambassador Yao pointed out that regarding the question of Palestine, it is at the heart of the Middle East issue and a wound that keeps being torn open in today’s world.
“The root cause of this question lies in the long delay in realizing the dream of an independent State of Palestine and the failure to redress the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people,” he said.
“Israel has the right to statehood, so does Palestine. The Israelis have obtained the safeguards for survival, but who will care about the survival of the Palestinians? The Jewish nation is no longer homeless in the world, but when will the Palestinian nation return to its home? There is no shortage of injustices in the world, but the injustice to Palestine has dragged on for over half a century. The sufferings that plagued generations must not continue,” said the Chinese ambassador.
Read: Israel's Netanyahu vows to 'destroy' Hamas, says Gaza offensive still in early stages
The answer to the question is the two-state solution and an independent State of Palestine, he said.
“This is how Palestine and Israel could coexist in peace and how the Arabs and Jews could live in harmony. Only when the two-state solution is fully implemented can the Middle East truly enjoy peace and Israel enjoy lasting security,” said Ambassador Yao.
He said the right way to advance the two-state solution is to resume peace talks as soon as possible. “All mechanisms for peace must play a positive role.”
Ambassador Yao stressed that on the question of Palestine, China will continue to stand on the side of peace, on the side of justice, on the side of international law, on the side of shared aspirations of the majority of countries in the world, and on the side of human conscience.
Read more: Relocation of Gaza residents extremely dangerous: UN chief
A certain country claims to be friend of Bangladesh, but imposes visa curbs: Chinese Ambassador
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Wednesday (October 11, 2023) said a certain foreign country claiming to be friend of Bangladesh is imposing unilateral visa restrictions on Bangladeshi people.
Without naming the country the ambassador said they keep talking about human rights, democracy and free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
Read: China to provide large-scale anti-dengue aid in a few days: Ambassador Yao
His comments came amid controversy centering the US decision to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals. Washington, however, said it will not release the names or numbers of people in Bangladesh subject to the visa restrictions.
Ambassador Yao reiterated that China does not meddle with the internal affairs pf other countries.
“China never intervenes in internal affairs of other countries. Instead, we want to help Bangladesh make greater economic success and improve the livelihood of local people,” he told reporters after attending a programme, noting that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Read: Momen attending COM meeting of IORA in Colombo
“Who is the genuine friend of Bangladesh? The people have the say?” said the Chinese ambassador.
The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh handed over 700 sets of dengue kits to Enam Medical College and Hospital, which would meet the demand of tests for over 18,000 people.
Ambassador Yao said that President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government are "deeply concerned" on the dengue epidemic in Bangladesh and announced that China will provide 25 million RMB (USD 3.5 million) anti-dengue aid to Bangladesh.
This marks only a starting point, and there will be more anti-dengue aid in larger scale coming from China in a few days, said the ambassador.
"With our joint effort in mitigating the current dengue surge, the bond of friendship between the two countries and peoples would be further enhanced," said the ambassador.
As a time-tested friend and strategic partner of Bangladesh, the envoy said, China is committed to working with Dhaka in addressing public health challenges, which was manifested by their joint fight against the Covid-19 pandemic over the past three years.
Read: Padma Bridge Rail Link a landmark project under China's BRI: Ambassador Yao
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Dr Md. Enamur Rahman, and Chief Executive Officer of Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Anawarul Quader Nazim, among others, were present.
China to provide large-scale anti-dengue aid in a few days: Ambassador Yao
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (October 11, 2023) said that President Xi Jinping and and the Chinese government are "deeply concerned" on the dengue epidemic in Bangladesh and announced that China will provide 25 million RMB (USD 3.5 million) anti-dengue aid to Bangladesh.
"Today, The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh is handing over 700 sets of Dengue kits to Enam Medical College and Hospital, which would meet the demand of tests for over 18,000 people," he said at the hospital in Savar.
Also read: ‘China adheres to true multilateralism’: Ambassador Yao Wen
This marks only a starting point, and there will be more anti-dengue aid in larger scale coming from China in a few days, said the ambassador.
"With our joint effort in mitigating the current dengue surge, the bond of friendship between the two countries and peoples would be further enhanced," said Ambassador Yao.
Also read: Future of Bangladesh should be determined by Bangladeshis: Ambassador Yao reiterates China’s non-intervention policy
As a time-tested friend and strategic partner of Bangladesh, the envoy said, China is committed to working with Bangladesh in addressing public health challenges, which was manifested by their joint fight against the Covid-19 pandemic over the past three years.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief, Dr Md. Enamur Rahman, and Chief Executive Officer of Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Anawarul Quader Nazim, among others, were present.
Also read: No limit to potential of Bangladesh-China ties: Ambassador Yao Wen
"This year by far, we have witnessed the severest dengue epidemic in Bangladesh’s history, causing grief to thousands of families while exerting unbearable pressure on the local hospital system," Ambassador Yao said.
He expressed his deepest sympathy for those who died of the disease and his sincerest condolences to their family members.
"I salute, with highest respect, the doctors and medical workers who have fought sleeplessly on the front for months. You have saved the lives of many. Your hard work is highly appreciated," he said.
At this critical moment of combating dengue, China stands with Bangladesh like always, he said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August.
President Xi emphasized that both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of their own development and revitalization, and the Chinese side stands ready to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Bangladesh, push bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, and better benefit the people of the two countries.
Southwestern districts cheer as Dhaka-Bhanga rail link via Padma Bridge opens Tuesday
The wait of the people of southwestern districts will come to an end as the much-desired Dhaka-Bhanga railway connectivity via Padma Bridge will be opened on Tuesday (October 10, 2023).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the 82-kilometre railway track from Dhaka to Faridpur’s Bhanga upazila under “Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project”.
She is likely to go to Faridpur by train and will address a rally at 2 pm at Kazi Abu Yusuf Stadium in Bhanga Upazila headquarters, according to project officials.
Project Director Brigadier General Syed Ahmed said already the trial runs of a passenger train and a freight train have been completed on the route successfully.
Project details
On October 14 last year, the prime minister opened the construction work on a rail link between Dhaka and Jashore under the ‘Padma Bridge Rail Link Construction Project.’
Read: Test run: Train reaches Faridpur’s Bhanga from Dhaka via Padma Bridge
The railway line is being constructed in three phases (plus a 3km link being built between Dhaka and Gandaria): 37km Gandaria-Mawa section, a 42km Mawa-Bhanga section, and an 87km Bhanga Junction-Jashore section. Some 43.2km of loops, siding and Y-connections bring the total track length to 215.2km.
The entire railway project from Dhaka-Jashore is scheduled to be completed by June, 2024.
There will be 20 stations from Dhaka to Jashore, of which 14 are new and 6 are already there. The previous stations are also being modernised. Once completed, trains will be able to run at a speed of 120 to 130 kilometres.
Read: Dhaka-Bhanga railway track via Padma bridge all set for trial run on Thursday
There will be no railway crossing anywhere on the Dhaka-Jashore railway line as underpasses are being constructed at each level crossing all the way from Dhaka to Jashore.
The distance from Dhaka to Bhanga is about 82 kilometres. The new railway line from Gandaria in Dhaka has been added to the Padma Bridge via Keraniganj.
Trains will be able to run from Kamalapur to Bhanga via Gandaria along the Dhaka-Narayanganj railway line.
Under the project, 100 modern passenger coaches have already been purchased. New trains will be introduced by decorating the rakes with them.
The Padma Bridge rail link project was approved on May 3, 2016. At that time, its construction cost was estimated to be around Tk 34,989 crore. When the project proposal was amended on May 22, 2018, the cost increased to Tk 39,247 crore. The cost may increase further, according to concerned authorities.
The Padma Bridge rail link project is being constructed with Chinese funding, on the basis of G2G (government to government). Chinese contractor China Railway Engineering Group (CREC) is working on the project. China's Exim Bank is providing a loan of $ 266.79 crore to implement the project.
Read: ICC World Cup Trophy travels to Padma Bridge
The rest of the cost is being managed by the government of Bangladesh.
What people think about the rail link
UNB Faridpur correspondent reports: The long-cherished dream of southwestern region's people including Faridpur, Gopalganj, Madaripur and Narail will come into reality through the opening of the rail connectivity.
It will ensure safe journey of commuters from Dhaka to southwestern region at an affordable rate.
Talking to UNB, Abul Foyez Shah Newaz, a freedom fighter, said “Once country's independence was a dream to us, the train movement over the Padma Bridge was also a dream for the people of this region and the dream has come into reality with the sincere efforts of the government.”
Read: Padma bridge project cost increased further by Tk 1,117 cror
‘Wasn’t wrong when I said lot going on behind the scenes’: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (October 05, 2023) said that he was not wrong when he said “a lot is going on behind the scenes.”
He said this while exchanging views with journalists at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Department, at the Secretariat.
Also read: No worries over visa policy, PM reached understanding with all: Quader
Regarding his earlier remark that there has been some “agreement or consensus”, Quader said, “The issue of rumours and propaganda in our country has become rampant. According to rumours, the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has deteriorated. Such rumours and misinformation have spread widely. This is not desirable at this time.”
“Don’t you understand what I said? No one was aware for a week about the meeting with the US security adviser. So, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and I wasn’t wrong,” Quader added.
Also read: Hasina and Biden have discussed importance of free, fair elections in Bangladesh as well as improving relations
During her recent visit to Washington DC, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter took a selfie with Joe Biden. That was being discussed. There was still some talk. Reaching consensus behind the scenes means improving relations. That’s what I meant,” the AL leader clarified.
When pointed out that many are taking the “behind the scenes” expression negatively, he said, “If anyone wants to take it negatively, it is up to them. At public rallies, people want excitement… which is why exciting words like “toley toley”, “khela hobe” are used.”
Also read: Bangladesh not safe in BNP's hands: Quader
Responding to a question on relationship with China, Quader said, “China has a role to play in our development activities. We can’t bypass that. We are taking their help.”
China accuses Taiwan's government of using economic and trade issues to seek independence
The Chinese government on Wednesday accused Taiwan's ruling party of seeking independence, a day after the self-governing island's president lobbied for Australia's support in joining a regional trade pact.
Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, also said the recent Chinese military drills around Taiwan were held to combat "the arrogance of Taiwan independence separatist forces."
United States and China launch economic and financial working groups with aim of easing tensions
China claims Taiwan, an island about 160 kilometers (100 miles) off its east coast, as its territory. The two split during the civil war that brought the Communists to power in China in 1949, with the losing Nationalists setting up their own government in Taiwan.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, meeting with six visiting Australian lawmakers on Tuesday, sought their country's support for Taiwan's bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-nation free trade agreement.
Bangladesh, China to work together to push relations to a new height, says Dipu Moni
The Australian parliamentary delegation discussed strengthening economic cooperation with Taiwan, particularly in clean energy, and expressed an interest in Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
Zhu said that any participation by Taiwan in a regional economic grouping should be handled in accordance with the "one-China principle," which holds that the Communist Party is the government of China and Taiwan is a part of the country.
"The Democratic Progressive Party's attempt to seek independence in the name of economy and trade will not succeed," she said, referring to Tsai's political party.
Army Chief leaves for China to attend 19th Asian Games
Zhu signaled that China would not ease up on its military activity around Taiwan.
"As long as Taiwan independence's provocations continue, the People's Liberation Army's actions to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity will not stop," she said.
10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries around the World
In recent years, several earthquakes have devastated different parts of the globe. Earthquakes are caused by sudden movement along tectonic plates within the surface of earth. These movements release energy in the form of seismic waves that cause the earth's surface to shake. These geological events disrupt lives and economies, standing as stark reminders of the need for earthquake preparedness. Let's take a look at the top earthquake-prone countries across the world and understand their vulnerabilities.
The World's 10 Most Earthquake-prone Countries
Japan
Japan occupies a precarious position in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc characterized by fault lines and volcanic activity in the Pacific Ocean basin. This is the convergence of four tectonic plates: the Pacific, Philippine, Okhotsk, and Eurasian.
The primary reason behind Japan's seismic vulnerability is the collision and subduction of these tectonic slabs. The Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, creating deep ocean trenches and mountain ranges.
Read more Earthquake Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, triggered a devastating tsunami, claiming around 19,759 lives. The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, measuring magnitude 7, caused about 273 fatalities.
Bangladeshi officials call for increased Belt and Road cooperation
Bangladeshi government officials on Friday called for increased cooperation under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which they said has brought great changes to the South Asian country.
They made the remarks when speaking at the opening ceremony of "The Belt and Road Initiative in Bangladesh Exhibition 2023" held in the Bangladeshi capital, which marks the 10th anniversary of the Initiative.
Read : Bangladesh Ambassador meets House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, other members of US Congress
The BRI has already brought transformative changes to Bangladesh as "it has strengthened our role as a vital connector in regional trade network," Lokman Hossain Miah, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), supervised by the Prime Minister's Office, said at the ceremony attended by nearly 400 representatives of Chinese and Bangladeshi enterprises.
"Active participation in China's Belt and Road Initiative is central to the two countries' relationship," he added, noting brighter prospects for the China-Bangladesh relationship, with trade and investment cooperation being a strong pillar.
"Our participation in the Belt and Road Initiative is a testament to our shared commitment. So, let us see this moment, harness the opportunities it presents and work together to build a more prosperous and interconnected world," said Miah, also a senior secretary of the Bangladeshi government.
Under the BRI, he said Bangladesh has implemented mega projects like the Padma Bridge Rail link, the 8th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge, South Asia's largest sewage treatment plant, numerous power projects, and the Bangabandhu Bangladesh China-Friendship Exhibition Center.
Addressing the ceremony, A.H.M. Ahsan, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Bangladesh's Export Promotion Bureau, said the BRI put forward 10 years ago is "a visionary project aimed at revitalizing the connectivity among Asia, Europe and Africa."
Read : Hasina, Modi look forward to CEPA as next step up in ties
"Over the past decade, we have witnessed the transformative impact of the BRI on global trade and investment with Bangladesh being an enthusiastic participant in this journey," he noted.
Given Bangladesh's strategic location as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia, he said, "Our nation has been a natural partner."
Bangladesh and China possess immense untapped potential for further collaboration, he said, noting, "China stands as Bangladesh's top trading partner, a leading source of direct foreign investment and a significant source of raw material for our manufacturing industries."
"We must continue to work together to harness the opportunities presented by the BRI, ensuring that the benefits are widespread and sustainable for both nations. As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the BRI, let us reaffirm our commitment to this remarkable journey of cooperation and partnership," he said.
Md Anwar Hossain, additional secretary and wing chief of the Bangladeshi government's Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance, said, "The BRI presents an enormous potential to enhance our connectivity, unlock our economic potential and contribute to regional and global development."
Read : End the Ukraine war thru negotiations: PM Hasina tells Russian foreign minister
He further said that Bangladesh recognized the BRI as a model for international cooperation and a source of new opportunities for regional connectivity and economic integration.
"We see the BRI as a valuable means to address our infrastructure deficit, boost industrialization, create jobs and enhance quality of life for our citizens," the official said.
Charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Yan Hualong told the opening ceremony in a keynote speech that China will always be a trustworthy neighbor, close friend and cooperative partner of Bangladesh on its journey of modernization.
China will continue to encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Bangladesh and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Bangladesh economic and trade relations, said Yan.
"I believe that, under the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Bangladesh relations will surely reach a new height and open a new era of friendly cooperation," Yan stressed.
The exhibition, jointly organized by the Chinese embassy, Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh, demonstrates the achievements of BRI cooperation in Bangladesh. Its sideline events include workshops with Bangladeshi government departments, business forums and meetings, and job fairs.
‘China Festival on TV Screen’ celebrated
An event titled 'China Festival on the TV Screen' on the China-related programs in the mass media of Bangladesh was held in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Organized by China Media Group (CMG), Confucius Institute of Dhaka University and Deepto TV at the auditorium of Dhaka University's Institute of Modern Languages, the event was attended by State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid as the chief guest and Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh Yan Hualong as the special guest.
Read: 'Food, fertilizer, fuel...and Rohingyas': Dhaka on possible agenda for meeting with Lavrov
Expressing his fascination with China's socio-economic development, the state minister said the once unknown and mysterious China has now become one of top development partners of Bangladesh.
He said, "I’ve visited many countries of the world. A few days ago I went to China on an official tour. But I was truly impressed and overwhelmed by the beauty of China. They have decorated the country like a dream. Apart from the natural beauty, the law and order situation and the manners, etiquette and punctuality of the people impressed me.”
Read: UN rights body studying text of Cyber Security Bill closely
The state minister said more programs like the ones organized by CMG would create more interest in cultural exchange between the two countries.
Charge the Affairs Yan Hualong in his speech encouraged the youth of Bangladesh to go to China to learn Chinese language, study or work.
He said culture and education can bring the hearts of the peoples of two countries together and their friendship can foster closer relations between the two countries.
Referring to the agreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a meeting in South Africa last month to enhance cooperation in the cultural and educational fields, besides the infrastructure, agriculture and industrial sectors, he said both countries are working towards that end.
Read: President Shahabuddin joins ASEAN summit opening ceremony in Jakarta
Besides CMG-produced programs broadcast in the media of Bangladesh, various aspects of China's vibrant culture, activities of the Confucius Institute and different projects under the Belt and Road Initiative were presented before the audience at the event, which also shed light on the activities of Chinese businesses operating in Bangladesh, said CMG Bangla in a press release.
Chinese drama series 'Rahasyamoyi' aired on Deepto TV was specially highlighted at the event while some of the dubbing artistes of the drama were introduced, who shared their experiences with the audience.
Dubbed in Bengali, the drama has gained popularity in Bangladesh, according to the organizers.
Confucius Institute Director DrYang Hui, Deepto TV Chief Executive Officer Fuad Chowdhury, Bangladesh project chief of China Railway Shi Yuan, Bangladesh project chief of China Communications Construction Company Pang Ming and Bangladesh project head of New Hope Group He QuanShui also joined the event as guests. Director of Bengali Department of CMG Yu Guang Yue Anandi gave the concluding speech.
Read: French President Macron to arrive on September 10 to "deepen" ties with Bangladesh
At the event, a new YouTube channel ‘Apon Entertainment’ was launched through cutting a cake. Chinese dramas, movies, cartoon films and documentary will be available on the channel.
Future of Bangladesh should be determined by Bangladeshis: Ambassador Yao reiterates China’s non-intervention policy
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has reiterated his country’s non-intervention policy and said the future of Bangladesh should be determined by Bangladeshis.
“Our policy is very consistent – that China never intervenes in any country’s internal affairs,” he told UNB in an exclusive interview.
Ambassador Yao said the upcoming election is an internal affair of Bangladesh.
China upholds Bangladesh’s efforts to fend off external interference and maintain domestic unity and stability, so as to ensure development and revitalization, said the ambassador referring to what the Chinese President Xi Jinping said during the Johannesburg meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, he elaborated referring to what President Xi said at the Johannesburg meeting.
Read: Bangladesh's youth makes it 'vigorous' in Chinese eyes: Amb. Yao Wen
“China is full of confidence over the better future of Bangladesh as well as China-Bangladesh relations,” said Ambassador Yao.
Currently, over 600 Chinese enterprises are functioning in Bangladesh, and tens of thousands of Chinese citizens are living and working here, he said.
According to Ambassador Yao, the Chinese companies proactively undertake social responsibilities on boosting local economy, protecting the environment, providing social services to host communities, helping create job opportunities, building capacity for manpower and promoting charity.
“With their contribution and efforts, the hearts of the two peoples are brought together ever closer,” he said.
Read: ‘China adheres to true multilateralism’: Ambassador Yao Wen
When asked about the interests of Chinese companies and citizens in the context of heated political environment, Yao replied that the Chinese people are here for friendship and joint development with Bangladeshi people.
“Their safety and security should surely be guaranteed, and their lawful interests should be protected,” he said.
Bangladesh Election Commission is taking preparations for the next national election which is likely to be held in December this year or January next year.
During his first interview since his arrival in Dhaka late last year, the Chinese ambassador touched upon issues related to trade and investment, Global Development Initiative, Belt and Road Initiative, people to people relations, and opportunities ahead.
Read more: No limit to potential of Bangladesh-China ties: Ambassador Yao Wen